[Exhibition of the Week] Choi Seok-woon Solo Exhibition 'Landscape, Floating' · Steven Harrington: Stay Mellow etc.

Editor's NoteThis week's exhibitions introduce a variety of attractive shows that can be experienced nationwide over the course of one week.

▲Steven Harrington: Stay Mello = Amorepacific Museum of Art presents the first contemporary art exhibition of the first half of 2024, "Steven Harrington: Stay Mello." This exhibition introduces the artistic world of Steven Harrington, who has been active mainly in Los Angeles, USA, for the first time in Korea.

Getting Away (Alive), 2021 [Photo by Amorepacific Museum of Art]

Steven Harrington, an artist and designer, is noted for his work infused with the landscapes and culture of California. Behind the visually delightful works characterized by vibrant colors lies the artist’s long contemplation on life balance, anxiety, and the subconscious. The exhibition features recurring characters symbolizing the subconscious, such as ‘Mello’ and ‘Lulu,’ inspired by palm trees.

The exhibition showcases major series including large-scale paintings up to 10 meters, such as ‘Getting Away (2021?2023)’ and ‘Stop to Smell the Flowers (2022?2023).’ Additionally, early print works, drawings in paper and digital forms, the artist’s sketchbooks, and related videos are displayed to present a diverse view of his artistic world. Visitors can also encounter giant sculptures of the character ‘Mello’ throughout the exhibition space.

[STEVEN HARRINGTON] SH X NIKE Air Force 1
[Photo by Amorepacific Gallery]

The exhibition also highlights Steven Harrington’s collaborations with global brands. Visitors can see limited edition sneakers by Nike, Bearbrick figures by BAPE, and works created with Moncler, IKEA, UNIQLO, and Innisfree, among others.

The museum announced that, following the artist talk held on March 8 where the artist communicated directly with the public, various exhibition-related events are planned. The museum shop will sequentially release limited edition art toys commemorating the exhibition, as well as art products created in collaboration with the global outdoor brand Helinox. The exhibition runs until July 14 at Amorepacific Museum of Art, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Choi Seok-woon, Rest of Apkkeutseom, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 60.6×72.7cm
[Photo by Gallery Mari]

▲Choi Seok-woon Solo Exhibition 'Landscape, Floating' = Gallery Mari hosts a solo exhibition by artist Choi Seok-woon titled 'Landscape, Floating.' Known for capturing the lives of ordinary people of our time with distinctive expression, the artist presents over 30 paintings including new works that express optimism about life using painting as a tool, alongside previously unreleased pieces.

Drawing like snapshots, the artist has focused on observing deeply personal experiences and everyday moments unnoticed by others. He has notably depicted people and animals with expressionless faces gazing somewhere, emphasizing their eyes in a striking manner. His restrained, figure-centered style without excessive symbolism or staging satirically reflects the complex realities of our times. The relatable situations and emotions in his paintings offer viewers a pleasurable visual experience. ‘Everydayness’ is a key motif in his work, summarized by humor, wit, satire, and parody.

In recent years, the artist has expanded the scope of ‘everyday life,’ his main theme. After staying at Imhado, a small island in Haenam where he participated in an art residency, and traveling through Sicily and Tuscany, he gained new perspectives. Living in Imhado, which he described as an ‘exile that evokes romantic solitude,’ and encountering the wonders of nature up close as well as unfamiliar landscapes during his travels, provided fresh motivation and inspiration for his work, which draws material from his surroundings.

Choi Seok-woon, Coastal Village with Olive Farm, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 112×162.2cm
[Photo by Gallery Mari]

As he said, “I painted works I couldn’t have painted if I hadn’t been to those places,” his long-standing approach of centering figures in his compositions evolved to include new narratives, with ‘landscape’ becoming central alongside the groups of people he loves.

This exhibition centers on ‘landscape’ together with people. Unlike past works where backgrounds were omitted or meaningless, natural landscapes revealing a sense of place now occupy the canvas. The artist tells stories of everyday life lived by the people there through his paintings. Even when depicting exotic landscapes without people, the hidden lives and ordinary individuals living intensely today are felt between the scenes. Known for his unique wit and sharp observation, the artist presents his ‘personal landscape paintings’ in this exhibition. His diverse journey now rests firmly on the square canvas without drifting. The exhibition runs until April 12 at Gallery Mari, Gyeonghuigung 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Piece of Mind_Oil on canvas_60.6x60.6cm_2023 [Photo by Superior Gallery]

▲Han Seung-hoon Solo Exhibition '20 Episodes of her' = Superior Gallery presents the solo exhibition '20 Episodes of her' by artist Han Seung-hoon. Within the canvas, her portrait reflects the artist’s self and the modern individual. The doll-like figure, a medium exploring the inner self and aspiring to live autonomously, embodies the avoidance and loss of self experienced by contemporary people facing frustration in achievement, connecting with our emotions by depicting busy lives. Skin tones, hair colors, fabric textures, and background effects are used as calculated devices to express the ‘existence’ in the work, capturing various aspects of consumer culture in modern society. The empty expressions and gazes amplify the image of modern individuals who have lost their selves in a society valuing success and abundance.

During the creative process, the artist focuses on sketching and coloring to express emotions, using restrained brushwork to create smooth surfaces with minimal traces. This results in works where surface texture and vivid colors are realistically revealed. The artist does not name the figures in the works, encouraging viewers to connect them with their own experiences. The protagonists are stylish modern women with beautiful, expressionless faces, inviting viewers to question what they might be thinking and to explore their own emotions.

Piece of Mind_Oil on canvas_60.6x60.6cm_2023 [Photo by Superior Gallery]

The elements that make us feel emptiness have diversified, and for some, inner emotions may not be a priority. However, the reason audiences empathize with the artist’s works is due to the endless exploration of humanity and the attempts to shape it, which deeply resonate with our emotions. As Nietzsche said, “It is better to dance for creation and generation than to silently endure heavy burdens like a camel,” the artist’s works guide us through various emotions, confronting anxiety and finding ways to overcome it, ultimately leading to a beautiful life. These works offer a true catharsis, guiding viewers to discover themselves, listen to their inner voice, and find their true selves. The exhibition runs until April 2 at Superior Gallery, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.